@001011000101101 Did you miss the part where he praises the game for its originality? The major theme of the review seems to be that this is a game that acknowledges its past while creating a whole new, excellent experience. Just look at the selected quotes in the review. He says that this Zelda game does things that none of its predecessors have done before.

@BradBurns @TomMcFail Perhaps another Gamespot editor would have given A Link Between Worlds a lower score. It's likely. You point out the relevancy of subjectivity and differing opinions in your post, so I believe that we can take this reviewer's word for why he believes it's a superb game. He backs his claims up with some good persuasion--still doesn't mean you (or even I) will think A Link Between Worlds is a nine when we play it.

@nousername66 I don't want to paint myself as the epitome of maturity or anything, because that could come off as...immature. However, I'll say this: I am a twenty-four year old college student who is nearly finished with his B.A. in English Language and Literature. I will be entering graduate school soon, and Super Mario 3D World is the main reason I am going to purchase a Wii U. I made a pact with myself, though. I buy myself a Wii U and this excellent looking game if I essentially make honors grades at the end of the semester (I'm on track to do so).

I certainly don't agree with much of what he said, but the "filler" remarks are subjective. I can see how he could view the game's structure negatively. As for the controls, they worked for me about as much as they worked for you. But, if it's any consolation, the game was pretty much universally praised. And you and I enjoyed it.

Blanket statement comments attack the review page again. Feels kinda nostalgic.

I wouldn't know. I don't play Grand Theft Auto.

Nostalgia is only part of the presentation, and even there it does not consume all of the game's aesthetic value. This game looks pretty original in its audio/visuals. There's no way a series can continue to be universally praised after thirty years based on nostalgia alone. Nintendo is doing something right, and part of it is in their ability to institute innovative, fresh ideas into their classic IPs.

I'm thinking it has to be something nearly revolutionary or absolutely groundbreaking to earn a ten. Back when Gamespot gave Super Mario Galaxy 2 a ten, it had no 'bad' marks, but it was also called "the standard" for all platformers and VanOrd iterated that the Gamespot staff considered it to be the greatest 3D platformer ever made. Super Mario 3D World is phenomenal and original by Walton's judgment, but it is not as impactful as Galaxy 2.

Actually, it was a 7.5. If he would have given it a seven, he should have been fired...

Kidding. I gave Skyward Sword a ten but gave a "thumbs up" to a user review that rated it a 6.5. He made good points. No game is above criticism. Well, no game but Super Mario Galaxy 2. ;)

I've loved pretty much every Zelda I have played (except Zelda II, I guess), and the negatives that Tom point out in the recent installments are not flaws severe enough to make me feel disdain for any of them. That said, he makes legitimate points about tedium and pointlessness in recent Zelda games, and I believe that all fans of the series can appreciate Nintendo's approach with A Link Between Worlds. Also, it looks like McShea isn't the mustached villan to Nintendo afterall. I think he just has something called preferences and opinions.